Kensington Palace has confirmed that Catherine, Princess of Wales will attend a reception at St James’s Palace this evening alongside the King and Queen, as senior royals gather to mark the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK.
The event, hosted by King Charles in his capacity as Patron of the charity, will celebrate more than a century of work in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are also expected to attend, alongside researchers, clinicians, volunteers and charity partners.
Their Majesties will view immersive displays highlighting advances in cancer research, including developments in early detection and treatment technologies, as well as the organisation’s historical milestones since its origins in the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (1902) and the Cancer Research Campaign (1923).
Kensington Palace has confirmed a last-minute outing for the Princess of Wales
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Cancer Research UK is widely credited with contributing to major improvements in survival rates over recent decades, with the charity itself noting that survival has roughly doubled in the UK over the past half-century, driven by advances in research and clinical care.
Alongside the formal programme, the presence of the King and the Princess of Wales carries added public interest given both have faced cancer diagnoses in recent years, leading to increased attention on their health and gradual return to public duties.
The Princess of Wales revealed in January 2025 that she was in remission following treatment for cancer, describing the announcement as a relief and thanking medical staff involved in her care.
Since then, she has slowly resumed official engagements, with Kensington Palace emphasising a cautious and phased return to public life.
The Princess of Wales and King Charles have both been open about their cancer diagnoses
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She has also spoken publicly about her recovery experience in a World Cancer Day message in February 2026, describing the emotional impact of illness, saying a cancer journey can involve “moments of fear and exhaustion” as well as periods of strength and recovery.
King Charles, meanwhile, continues to undergo treatment following his diagnosis in early 2024.
Buckingham Palace confirmed in late 2025 that his medical team had responded positively to treatment, allowing his schedule of care to move into a “precautionary phase”, with reduced frequency from 2026.
The Princess of Wales and King Charles are known to be very close
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The Princess of Wales pictured with King Charles and Queen Camilla in June 2024
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Officials have stressed that he continues to work while his condition is carefully monitored.
The King has remained active in public life throughout his treatment, continuing to carry out official duties and royal engagements where possible, while also highlighting cancer awareness and the importance of early diagnosis in public messages.
His role as Patron of Cancer Research UK has placed him at the centre of the charity’s anniversary celebrations, which aim to showcase both historical progress and future innovation in cancer science.